Why Having a Hypertonic Pelvic Floor Can Make Birth Challening

by Samantha Garcia

When preparing for birth, we often focus on strengthening our bodies, but what if relaxation is just as important? If you’ve been told to do Kegels to prepare for labor, you might be surprised to learn that having a hypertonic pelvic floor—where the muscles are too tight—can actually make birth more challenging. In this post, we’ll explore what a hypertonic pelvic floor is, why it matters for birth, and what you can do to support your body for a smoother delivery.

What is a Hypertonic Pelvic Floor?

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your bladder, uterus, and bowels. These muscles should be able to contract and relax as needed. A hypertonic pelvic floor means the muscles are too tight and have trouble relaxing.

When your pelvic floor is overly tense, it can lead to issues such as:

  • Pain during pregnancy

  • Difficulty relaxing while pushing during birth

  • A higher risk of tearing or needing interventions (like forceps or vacuum extraction)

  • Persistent postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction

Why Relaxation is Key for Birth

During labor, your pelvic floor needs to stretch and open to allow your baby to pass through the birth canal. If the muscles are too tight, they might resist this process, making labor:

🚨 Longer and more challening – Your baby has to work harder to descend.

🚨 More painful – Tension in the pelvic floor can intensify sensations during contractions.

🚨 More likely to require interventions – A tight pelvic floor can lead to issues like tearing or the need for an episiotomy.

Signs You Might Have a Hypertonic Pelvic Floor

Not sure if your pelvic floor is too tight? Some signs include:

✅ Pain or discomfort during sex

✅ Frequent urination or difficulty emptying your bladder

✅ Constipation or difficulty passing stools

✅ A feeling of tightness or tension in the pelvic area

✅ Pain in the lower back or hips

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth exploring ways to relax and release tension before birth.

How to Prepare Your Pelvic Floor for Birth

If you have a hypertonic pelvic floor, don’t worry—there are things you can do to help your body prepare for labor and birth:

✨ Work with a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist – A specialist can help assess your pelvic floor and guide you in techniques to release tension.

✨ Practice Deep Breathing & Relaxation Techniques – Belly breathing and guided relaxation can train your pelvic floor to release tension.

✨ Try Perineal Massage – This can help increase flexibility and reduce the risk of tearing.

✨ Incorporate Gentle Stretches – Positions like child’s pose, deep squats, and hip openers can help relax the pelvic floor.

Final Thoughts

Birth isn’t just about strength—it’s about balance. A hypertonic pelvic floor can make labor more challenging, but by focusing on relaxation, breathwork, and body awareness, you can create the best possible conditions for a smoother birth experience.

If you think you may have a tight pelvic floor, consider working with a pelvic floor therapist and incorporating relaxation techniques into your birth prep. Your pelvic health matters, and taking steps now can support not only your labor but also your postpartum recovery.

💬 Have you experienced pelvic floor tension during pregnancy? What helped you? Share in the comments below!

Back to Articles